News and Press

News and Press

See the latest news and press releases from Applied Underwriters, the industry's leading provider of business insurance. For more information email press@auw.com.

Press Releases

April 14, 2025

United Risk Names Amezquita, Cahill to Top Roles as Expansion Meets Market Opportunities, Challenges

Accomplished executives add experience and depth to multiple aspects of complex financial, reinsurance and related operations

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December 17, 2024

American Atlantic Assurance Company to Commence Underwriting in EU January 1, 2025

Fully operational ‘A-’ rated (AM Best) company, part of North American Casualty group, will support affiliated business divisions to provide sophisticated coverages in growing sectors

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December 1, 2024

Celebrities Boost Applied Underwriters Invitational Golf Tournament’s Record Charitable Contribution

More than 12,000 golfers across the U.S. participate in large-scale benefit competition leading to National Finals in May 2025

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October 15, 2024

Applied Underwriters Aerospace Names Richard Parker to Chair Growing Space Insurance Division, as Market Shifts Signal Sector-Defining Opportunities

Veteran industry leader will guide growth in both established and new areas amid competitors’ losses and disruptive challenges resulting in reduced marketplace capacity

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September 23, 2024

Applied Underwriters Announces Applied Crisis Underwriters, New Division of its United Risk Subsidiary, to Write Coverage Internationally from London and New York Offices

Henry Gillingham will head team of highly experienced professionals in the sector to provide sophisticated underwriting advantages to growing market demand worldwide

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July 22, 2024

Applied Surety Underwriters Moves into Top Ranks in Worldwide Surety Marketplace as Acquisition of Argo’s Surety Business Reaches Completion

Following its April purchase of Argo’s in-force energy business, Applied Surety Underwriters now adds the majority of the balance of wide-ranging Argo surety portfolio, growing toward global top 10 player in the sector

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April 22, 2024

Applied Underwriters’ United Risk Division Names Jay Cahill Chief Financial Officer

Seasoned veteran brings wealth of experience in reinsurance, MGA, and capital market transactions

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April 18, 2024

Applied Underwriters Continues Comprehensive Approach in Homeowners, Personal Lines Markets; Sells Centauri Holdings to Newly Formed Coastal Risk Specialty Insurer

Evolving market exigencies suggest sale of concentrated book of admitted business to Lilypad Insurance, an Arbol Inc. subsidiary

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March 19, 2024

United Risk Launches Applied Credit Underwriters to Target Credit and Political Risk Markets

Newly formed enterprise taps credit and political risk sector veteran, Bernie de Haldevang, as CEO

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March 8, 2024

Applied Underwriters Sees “Profound Danger” in Unprecedented Extension of CDI Action to Restrain Company from Exiting California

State court's proposed statement of decision and tentative order fails to stop stunning CDI overreach and sends warning to insurers in the state

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February 27, 2024

Applied Underwriters Hails Founder’s Global Reach Initiative to Secure Return of US Citizens Held Hostage or Wrongfully Detained Abroad

Jamie Sahara, President of Applied Underwriters, cites insurance-related skill sets fittingly applied to critical service for those held by criminal gangs, terrorist groups, or foreign governments

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February 26, 2024

Applied Underwriters’ Concept Special Risks Unit Wins Unanimous Supreme Court Decision in Great Lakes Insurance SE v. Raider Retreat Realty Co., LLC

Justice Kavanaugh, joined by Justice Thomas, affirms that choice of law in maritime contracts is fixed by policy’s language and incontrovertible

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January 5, 2024

Applied Underwriters’ Jamie Sahara Talks with Risk & Insurance About His Company’s Approach to Philanthropy

Jamie Sahara, founder and president of Applied Underwriters, sat down with Risk & Insurance to discuss the Applied Underwriters Invitational National Finals, an amateur charity golf tournament raising money for over 60 charities.

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November 26, 2023

Applied Underwriters Invitational Golf Tournament Garners Over $10M for Charities

Ryder Cup Winner Luke Donald, Applied President Jamie Sahara Interviewed by Sportscaster Jim Kelly

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November 7, 2023

Applied Underwriters Unveils United Risk, Taps Industry Leader Dan Malloy as CEO

Newly consolidated top-level holding company harnesses billions in MGA premium, set to expand in select markets with elite veteran teams

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September 12, 2023

Applied Underwriters sets Insurtech-Based Introductions for Q4, as Company Advances Life and Health Analytics and Delivery Systems with Predictability Breakthroughs

Innovative, scientific approaches in evaluating health and mortality, and high-tech enhancements in securing best options in healthcare mark the Company’s plans

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September 4, 2023

Hon. Gov. William Richardson, 1947 – 2023

Statement of Mr. Steve Menzies, Founder, Steve Menzies Global Foundation

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August 3, 2023

Applied Surety Underwriters and SiriusPoint Ink Exclusive Strategic Partnership for Major Market Expansion

Combining capital resources and underwriting expertise, the alliance will benefit brokers and their clients in North America and internationally

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April 24, 2023

Applied Underwriters Launches EOS, a New MGA to Bring Healthcare Access Technology to Agents and Brokers for Their Clients’ Medicare Needs

Much needed white-labeled InsurTech tools will help insurance producers effectively realize the provision of Medicare-related health coverages to clients.

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April 4, 2023

Applied Underwriters Introduces Applied Home National Underwriters, Consolidating and Expanding its Homeowners Business of Growing, Diversified, Regional Programs

Company names Bob Courtemanche, veteran personal lines industry leader, to streamline and strengthen its current homeowners platforms and drive its national expansion

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April 3, 2023

James Frisvold’s Release from Mexican Prison after 13-Year Detention Secured by Steve Menzies, Gov. Bill Richardson and Team of Collaborators in Direct Intervention

News stories across the nation applaud the latest rescue realized by the Menzies / Richardson teams to free US citizens and, in this case, to redress the absence of due process and the indifference of some authorities

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March 20, 2023

Applied Underwriters, Concirrus Enter Long Term Strategic Alliance

The companies’ technology groups will interface to provide greater resources to their respective insurance and reinsurance clients worldwide

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January 16, 2023

Taylor Dudley’s Release from Russian Detention Credited to Steve Menzies, Gov. Bill Richardson Action

News stories across the world and nation including CNN and ABC TV cite key role played by Applied Underwriters’ Chairman and former Governor

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January 10, 2023

North American Casualty Co. Accorded A- Rating by AM Best

While Company’s financial stability hits consistently highest levels, raters’ evaluation descries three-and-a-half-year stalemate

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October 24, 2022

One Insurer Views Ian Aftermath: Centauri’s Preparedness in Claims Management and Client Service Proved Essential for its Insureds Following Hurricane Ian Devastation

Carrier’s leaders cite “ten second telephone response” time, prudent reinsurance approach and staff dedication as a show of commitment to homeowners and business markets

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October 12, 2022

Applied Underwriters Partners with Health Outlook to Introduce Album Life Assurance

Company will use life science advances to enhance products, pricing and delivery

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August 10, 2022

Applied Underwriters Announces Promotional Partnerships with Professional Sports Icons Luke Donald and Michael Andretti

Company’s inaugural sports marketing initiative supporting its Treadwell luxury brand creates an immediate global presence recognizable to clients and agents alike

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August 3, 2022

Applied Underwriters Strengthens Centauri as its ‘A’ Rating is Affirmed and Transition to Omaha Operations Center is Completed

Disciplined underwriting and reinsurance program distinguish Centauri, as many coastal carriers face significant financial stress and downgrades

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July 27, 2022

Applied Underwriters Premieres Entertainment & Sports Division Headed by Top Sector Leaders

New division is latest in Applied Underwriters’ continued expansion and growth engaging top professionals seeking to realize career and personal goals

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July 13, 2022

Applied Underwriters Chairman, Steve Menzies, Reports “Excellent” Financial Results for 2021 and “Apologizes” for 90-Day Operational, Post-Pandemic Delay in Filing Some of the Company’s Audits

Privately held, national insurer, with $1B in capital and surplus, experiences strong financial and underwriting results in 2021 and Q1 2022, as reported in complete filed financial statements; regulators grant filing extension for all remaining outstanding audits

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July 11, 2022

Applied Underwriters Announces Across the Board 10% Cost of Living Adjustment to Staff as Company’s Economists Assess Inflation’s Impact

Omaha company’s staff retention outpaces insurers and general businesses through compensation strategy, employee benefits and lifestyle approaches

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June 24, 2022

Applied Underwriters’ Centauri Insurance Reaffirms Commitment to Underwriting in Gulf Coast Market as Above Normal Hurricane Season Looms and Solvency Issues Beset Insurers and Diminish Availability

Result: ‘A’ rated Applied subsidiaries, inundated with submissions, continue to add to infrastructure to help sustain the market place and serve Gulf Coast brokers and their insureds as demand increases

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May 2, 2022

Applied Underwriters Will Challenge Court Ruling Setting “Intramural” Hearing Venue in New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance

Carrier to bring matter to light in NJ Supreme Court arguing regulatory overreach in NJDOBI misuse of relevant statute to avert discovery process

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April 29, 2022

Founder and President of Applied Underwriters, Jamie Sahara, sits down for an exclusive interview with THE INSURER's David Bull

PROGRAM Manager caught up with Jamie Sahara in an exclusive interview looking at the Company’s strategy as it attracts top underwriting talent to its hybrid MGA-carrier platform

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March 29, 2022

Applied Underwriters Hits “New Height” as its Heartwood Preserve Operations Headquarters Tops Out

Company facility will house 2,000 on 50-acre campus within its 500-acre mixed-use development on former Boys Town site in Omaha

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March 21, 2022

Applied Underwriters Continues Specialty Lines Expansion with Launch of Applied Surety Underwriters

Top surety executive, Joshua Betz, named to head global operation

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March 12, 2022

Chamber of Commerce Awards US Business Leader Steve Menzies First Bold Entrepreneur and Humanitarian Award during Annual Albuquerque Gala

Over 3,000 attendees hear Menzies urge “Financial Commitment Plus Engagement” as formula for business and social success

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February 23, 2022

Applied Underwriters Sets Acquisition of Catlin Specialty Insurance Company

Transaction will see the 50 state E&S facility bolstering the operating capabilities of Applied and its strategic partners, as the specialty market hardens

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February 22, 2022

Insurance federation of New York, Inc. Presents Free Enterprise Award to Steve Menzies, Public Service Award to William H. Frazier

New Supt. of Financial Services, Hon. Adrienne A. Harris, to address annual luncheon in first major appearance

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January 19, 2022

QBE Lawsuits against Former Individual Employees and against Applied Underwriters, their New Employer, Termed “Meritless” by Applied’s General Counsel

Individuals who left QBE’s Aviation sector for Applied’s rapidly developing business specialty lines practice are targeted by QBE in “sour grapes” suit

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January 19, 2022

California Insurance Company’s Statement Replying to Reports of Consumer Watchdog Inquiries into California Department of Insurance Transparency and Related Matters

In response to articles concerning the Consumer Watchdog group’s inquiries into issues of the CDI's observance of transparency and probity standards, Mr. Jeffrey Silver presented a statement including factual corrections and observations concerning the CDI’s practices.

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November 23, 2021

Applied Specialty Underwriters Expands with New Infrastructure and Construction Market, Naming Sector Leader John Schlosser to Head Division

Applied Underwriters subsidiary makes immediate impact as construction and related businesses seek specialized acumen in the wake of Biden $1.7T infrastructure package

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November 16, 2021

Heartwood Preserve and Broadmoor Development Co. Complete Closing for 550 Class “A” Multifamily Homes on 14 Acres, as Heartwood Exceeds 70% Sales Mark

Heartwood Preserve hits high mark as its innovative approach to public space utilization and preservation continues to be realized

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November 1, 2021

Applied Underwriters, Joined by Former PartnerRe Team, Launch Aerospace Program to Advance Fresh Market Opportunities in Growing Sector

Experienced, former PartnerRe Direct and Facultative Space Team and Applied Underwriters consolidate in a uniquely powerful synergy

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September 2, 2021

Applied Underwriters Named to Nation’s Top Ten Insurance Employers in 501+ Employees Category

Measure reflects favorable staff view of several factors affecting workplace and employment practices

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August 26, 2021

New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas Seeks to Intervene in Conservation Proceeding as Amicus Curiae in Support of California Insurance Company

AG vows to present the State’s case against the arbitrary, illegal imposition of conservatorship by the California Department of Insurance to block the Company’s move

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August 23, 2021

Applied Underwriters Sets Completion of Its Acquisition of Alaska Timber Insurance Exchange as Anticipated Regulatory Approvals Advance

Accord reached in September 2020 will be realized by Applied following ATIE’s conversion to a stock company and subsequent, anticipated regulatory approvals

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August 18, 2021

Business Leader Steve Menzies Will Head Worldwide Foundation to Address “Human Ecology,” Following Meeting with Pope Francis

Cornerstone funding to establish the St. Francis Day Foundation has been committed by the Steve Menzies Global Foundation in support of efforts to address pressing human and social issues

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July 26, 2021

Applied Underwriters Shines, Garners Top Honors in 2021 Insurance Business America 5-Star Carrier Awards

‘A’ rated national insurer wins or places in all eleven categories, as ranked by producers

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July 12, 2021

Applied Underwriters Sets Acquisition of Generali’s Specialty Lines Division

The newly formed Applied Warranty & Insurance Services will expand programs, availability

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July 8, 2021

California Insurance Company Will Press for its “Day in Court” to Argue Merits of its Case, after Procedural Technicalities Effectively Offer a “No Win” to Parties

Procedural issues cloy the path to an airing of ‘A’ rated CIC’s case against the California Department of Insurance’s arbitrary, exotic imposition of a conservatorship to block its re-domestication

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June 22, 2021

Heartwood Preserve Announces Advances in the Development’s Characteristic Features and a Contest Among Architects for Bridge Design Concepts

Heartwood Preserve’s innovative approach to public space utilization and preservation continues to be realized as sales and phased in openings mark the site’s progress

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June 14, 2021

California Insurance Company Praises New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas, Jr.’s Actions in the Federal Case Opposing California Regulators’ Arbitrary Blocking of the Company’s Approved Redomestication to New Mexico

Attorney General acts to protect New Mexico’s regulatory integrity, its general economic stability and the availability of insurance in a state that is 60% Hispanic and Native American

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June 11, 2021

AM Best Affirms North American Casualty Companies’ Ratings

The affirmed ratings reflect very strong balance sheet strength and strong operating performance

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May 3, 2021

In His Own Words: Q&A with Applied Underwriters’ Menzies on Buffet, California and ‘Pumping Entrepreneurial Power’

Founder and chairman of Applied Underwriters Inc. has been buying businesses, creating new subsidiaries and growing his firm. He agreed to answer questions on these and other issues. The following is an unedited version of the questions and his answers

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April 19, 2021

Omaha: Construction on Applied Underwriters’ New Heartwood Preserve Corporate Headquarters to Resume June 1 as Pandemic Pause Ends and Workers’ Vaccinations Increase

Construction Will Recommence on Applied Underwriters’ New Corporate Headquarters Located in Heartwood Preserve, the Site of One of the Largest Urban Developments in the United States.

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April 14, 2021

Applied Underwriters Receives UK Financial Authority’s Approval to Complete Acquisition of Leading International Yacht and Watercraft Underwriting Facility

UK-Based Concept Special Risks Will Expand in US and Caribbean Markets Underwriting Extensive Vessel Classes

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April 6, 2021

Applied Underwriters’ Exceptional Care for Injured Workers Featured in Fall TV Series on Discovery Life

“Back From the Brink” Highlights Heroic Recoveries and the People Who Realized Them

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April 6, 2021

Question of Jurisdiction Stymies Applied Underwriters’ Effort to Argue the Merits of Illegal CDI Action

Court Rules That Applied’s Request for Court Action Has Jurisdictional Problems

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March 22, 2021

Centauri’s “A” Rating Holds Firm Following Acquisition by Applied Underwriters

Demotech Financial Stability Rating for Centauri Specialty Insurance Company and Centauri National Insurance Company Affirms Strength of Sarasota-based Insurer

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March 15, 2021

Applied Underwriters Sees Enhanced Reach for Newly Acquired Florida Casualty Insurance Company

Latest in Series of Applied Transactions Further Strengthens Company’s Reach in Florida and 40 Additional States

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March 11, 2021

Heartwood Preserve’s Award-Winning Greenways and Heartwood Park Set Opening Dates for Summer

Heartwood’s Innovative Approach to Public Space Utilization and Preservation Becomes Reality as Phase I Opens to Public June 1st

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March 8, 2021

Applied Underwriters Garners Top Awards Among Workers’ Compensation Carriers in All Applicable Categories

Applied Consistently Earns Notable Accords for Claims Excellence, Client Care and High Service Standards

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February 22, 2021

Applied Underwriters’ Centauri Insurance Acquires Gulfstream Renewals

Latest in Series of Applied Acquisitions Further Deepens the Company’s Penetration in Southern States

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February 16, 2021

Applied Underwriters Acquires Oklahoma Property and Casualty Insurance Company for Admitted Business in South Central Region and Refocuses Texas Insurance Company for E&S Lines Nationally

Applied Underwriters’ Strategic Plans Unfold Bolstering Excess and Surplus Business Across the Country and Deepening Roots in the South Central Region

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February 8, 2021

Applied Underwriters Completes Acquisition of Centauri Insurance Companies

Sarasota Based Property and Casualty Insurer Serves 10 States Through Independent Agents and Brokers.

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February 3, 2021

Applied Underwriters Acquires Leading International Yacht, Excursion and Pleasure Craft Underwriting Facility

Uk Based Concept Special Risks MGA Specializes in U.S. and Caribbean Markets for Extensive Vessel Classes.

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January 7, 2021

California Insurance Company, New Mexico (CIC) Files Suit in Federal Court to Enjoin California Department of Insurance (CDI) from Further Illegal Interference and Unconstitutional Action to Block CIC’s Approved Redomestication to New Mexico

Lawsuit Filed in Wake of New Mexico Superintendent of Insurance Order to CIC to Comply With Approved Redomiciling Regulations Involves Violation of Due Process and Seeks Compensation for Damages to CIC.

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January 4, 2021

Applied Underwriters’ Expansion Continues With Launch of US Based D&O Division Led By Market Sector Leader Stephen McGill

Applied’s Growth Continues Apace Amid Series of Recent Acquisitions, Product Introductions and Key Hirings.

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December 24, 2020

Applied Underwriters Names Fiamma, Silver and Walsh to Lead Newly Formed International Fine Art and Collectibles Business Unit

The a Rated Insurer Names Top Executives to Lead Applied Fine Art and Collectibles.

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December 15, 2020

State of California's Rigorous Audit Identifies California Insurance Company as Top Performing Workers’ Compensation Insurer for 2019

Audit Results Consistent With the Company’s High Standing for Superior Claims Performance, Care for Workers, and Financial Results.

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December 14, 2020

Applied Financial Lines, Ltd. Formed as Applied Underwriters Expands in the EU and Middle East for Specialty Business

The a Rated U.S. Insurer’s New Enterprise to Begin Expansion Starting With Newly Acquired Starstone’s Core Products.

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November 5, 2020

Applied Underwriters Announces Formation of Applied Specialty Underwriters, Names Christopher Day President of the New Company

Applied Specialty Underwriters Will Concentrate on Casualty E&S Markets Nationwide, Initially Focusing on New York Construction Risks.

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October 30, 2020

California Insurance Company Files an “Anti-SLAPP Motion” to Protect Its First Amendment Rights in California

California Insurance Company (CIC) Today Announced It Has Filed An “Anti-SLAPP” Motion to Protect Its First Amendment Rights in its Ongoing Legal Battle With the California Department of Insurance (CDI).

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October 20, 2020

Applied Fights Back Against the California Department of Insurance

Applied Underwriters Files Federal Lawsuit Against California Commissioner of Insurance Charging Violations of US Constitution.

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October 20, 2020

California Insurance Company Comments on the Federal Lawsuit Against the California Department of Insurance

California Insurance Regulators (“CDI”) Targeted in Landmark Federal Suit Following CDI’s Bizarre, Illegal, Proposed “Non Consensual Rehabilitation” of “A” rated, Market Leader, California Insurance Company.

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June 10, 2020

AM Best Affirms North American Casualty Group Companies’ Rating

Ratings Issuer AM Best Affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of ‘A’ (Excellent) of Five Applied Global Companies Collectively Referred to as North American Casualty Group (NAC).

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June 5, 2020

Applied Underwriters Acquires Blue Ridge of South Carolina

Blue Ridge Specialty Group of Greenfield, South Carolina, a Managing General Underwriter Specializing in Trucking-Related Risks, Has Been Acquired by Applied Underwriters, Inc., According to Applied Founder, Chairman, and CEO Steve Menzies.

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April 15, 2020

Omaha Business Leader Provides Medical Supplies To CUMC-Bergan Mercy Hospital To Bolster Covid Readiness

Applied Underwriters, Inc., Makes a Substantial Contribution to Help Creighton University’s Medical Center Assist With Staff and Patients Affected With the Virus.

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April 3, 2020

Applied Underwriters to Buy Florida-based Insurer

Applied Underwriters Has Agreed to Buy Florida-Based Insurer Centauri Insurance Co., a Unit of Centauri Specialty Holdings That Offers Commercial and Personal Lines Property/Casualty Coverage.

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April 03, 2020

A really big hole is dug in west Omaha for Applied Underwriters' 1,057-space underground parking garage

Applied, the Driver and Primary Owner of Heartwood Preserve, Will Also be a Corporate Anchor With its Campus That’s to Span About 50 Acres.

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October 16, 2019

Applied Underwriters Founder, Steve Menzies, Acquires Insurance Companies From Berkshire Hathaway In $920mm Transaction

Applied Underwriters and Its Subsidiary North American Casualty Co. Have Been Acquired by Applied Underwriters Founder Steve Menzies, Who Was Joined in the Acquisition by the Quasha Group Led by Quadrant Management.

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September 25, 2019

Applied Underwriters Celebrates Work on Heartwood Preserve Development, touts Natural Features

Hundreds of Applied Employees Attend Dedication Ceremony on Location of Future Campus, as State-Of-The-Art Building to Accommodate up to 2,000 Employees.

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September 21, 2019

Applied Underwriters Sets Official Dedication of Heartwood Preserve, a 500-Acre Mixed-Use Development in West Omaha

Applied Underwriters, Owner and Developer of Heartwood Preserve Announces the Opening of One of the Largest Urban Developments in the United States.

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April 9, 2019

Applied Underwriters’ Steve Menzies Honored with Frank J. Guarini Award

Company to Sponsor Innovative Speaker Series for KANEKO, Omaha’s Arts & Culture Organization.

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January 5, 2019

Applied Underwriters Launches “Great Minds” Lecture Series

Company to Sponsor Innovative Speaker Series for KANEKO, Omaha’s Arts & Culture Organization.

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April 23, 2018

CMSV’s Top Award to Applied’s Steve Menzies

Insurance Industry Leader Awarded by New York’s College of Mount Saint Vincent

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©2025 Applied Underwriters, Inc. Rated 'A-' (Excellent) by AM Best. Insurance plans protected U.S. Patent No. 7,908,157.

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